Preoperative temporary fixation for fractures around the ankle using a simple extensible external fixator significantly improves patient comfort.
Foot Ankle Surg 2024;
30:239-244. [PMID:
38123374 DOI:
10.1016/j.fas.2023.12.001]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The authors developed a simple extensible external fixator, which has the advantages of easy application and inexpensiveness. The present study aimed to make a comparison between this external fixator and calcaneal traction in preoperative temporary fixation for malaligned ankle fractures and pilon fractures.
METHODS
From May 2020 to February 2022, patients with malaligned ankle fractures or Rüedi-Allgöwer type 2 or 3 pilon fractures with obvious soft tissue swelling were retrospectively reviewed and divided into the calcaneal traction group and the external fixation group. The two groups of patients were matched 1:1 before making comparisons.
RESULTS
A total of 38 patients were included. Higher General Comfort Questionnaire score and lower visual analog scale score were noticed in the external fixation group during hospitalization (p < 0.05), while the operation latency time, total cost, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes one year after surgery were not significantly different between the two groups. No wound complications were observed.
CONCLUSION
Preoperative temporary fixation for fractures around the ankle using this simple extensible external fixator significantly improves patient comfort when compared to calcaneal traction.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III, retrospective comparative study.
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